A guy's perspective on gifts for guys

Here's a few suggestions for finding gifts that'll always be at the top of the drawer.

Photograph by: Gabriel Bouys
, AFP / Getty

Gift giving is supposed to be fun, but finding those perfect presents can be stressful, especially if you've got a guy on your list who's picky about what he wears, or who you don't see that often. Of course we all know it's the thought that counts, but nobody wants to give a gift that's destined for the back of the closet.

If you've got a guy on your list who's proving tricky to shop for here's a few suggestions for finding gifts that'll always be at the top of the drawer.The first places to start are his hobbies and interests. Is he a foodie? Williams Sonoma has plenty of high-end spices and rubs as well as custom-monogrammed steak brands so he can really personalize every piece of meat he grills. A man who's really into whiskey, though, might more appreciate a set of whiskey stones, which cool his drink without diluting it like ice cubes.

Clothing can be tricky—it's hard to keep up to date on someone's sizing and taste—but plenty of guys neglect basic pieces that outfits can be built around when choosing their wardrobe. If you're paying attention, you'll probably be able to find several items he's overlooked. To that end, a good tweed sportscoat is an essential part of any man's wardrobe. We love J.Crew's take on the classic jacket, cut slim but without losing any of that iconic, rich weave. Or a pair of Ben Sherman chinos in one of their tried-and-true colors could prove the perfect foundation for a winter look. He can wear them to the office with a well-cut dress shirt, or in the evenings with sneakers and a sweater.

If you're not sure about a particular item, maybe instead of taking a gamble it'll be the right gift, you could opt for a less costly alternative and make it part of a set. That'll let you spread out the pressure amongst a few items.

For instance, if you're looking for a messenger bag, but know he already has one or aren't sure he'll use it, you may feel more comfortable with something like the Herschel Scottie, a great bag available in lots of colors. But if you're sure it's something he'll love—or if he's already emailed you the link—it might be worth the risk to go all-out and pick up something extravagant, like an Ally Capellino Jonathan Waxed Messenger Bag.

Really, plenty of inspiration can come from just paying close attention to what he says about his things. That approach will also help you choose more wisely amongst the available options. If he's emailed you links to a glen plaid blazer on Mr. Porter and mentions it every time you see him, that tuxedo T-shirt you were considering might not be the best choice.

Cologne can be tricky to purchase as a gift—it's impossible to know how a scent will settle on someone's skin, and it can be an expensive mistake to make. But if you're sure it'll be to their taste, a unique product like DS & Durga's Mississippi Medicine could very well become his new signature scent.If you just make sure to put in that extra bit of thought, buying gifts for a particular guy won't be nearly as difficult as it seems. Just really pay attention to his interests and his tastes; from there, the choices should spell themselves out.

It's important to remember, too, that most men won't throw a hissy fit over a poorly chosen gift, but you'll find if you take the time and get something that's really to his taste, he's sure to really appreciate it.

We encourage all readers to share their views on our articles and blog posts. We are committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion, so we ask you to avoid personal attacks, and please keep your comments relevant and respectful. If you encounter a comment that is abusive, click the "X" in the upper right corner of the comment box to report spam or abuse. We are using Facebook commenting. Visit our FAQ page for more information.